Mele says the gardens are not linked because one only had 176 plants, which leads him to believe it was a local operation. Both gardens were on Forest Service Lands, and the street value is estimated at more than $8 million.

State agents with the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, or CAMP are assisting the Tuolumne County Narcotics Team. Mele says that because the large plantations are using timers and water hoses, it is easier for the helicopters to spot the plants during their aerial searches.